Apparatus for and method of carton erection



May 25, 1965 F. c. GROSS 3,185,046

APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF CARTON ERECTION Filed D60. 17, 1962 8 Sheets-Sheet l Q N I l L I I 8| S 2::

INVENTOR FRANK C. GROSS BY Qwmd AE'TORNEY.

May 25, 1965 F. c. GROSS APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF CARTON ERECTION Filed Dec. 17, 1962 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR FRANK C. GROSS BY mm P:

ATTORNE).

May 25, 1965 F. c. GROSS APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF CARTON ERECTION 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 17, 1962 INVENTOR.

" FRANK C. GROSS ATTORNEY.

May 25, 1965 F. c. GROSS APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF CARTON ERECTION 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 17, 1962 INVENTOR.

FRANK C. GROSS ATTORNEY.

May 25, 1965 F. c. GROSS 3,185,046

APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF CARTON ERECTION Filed Dec. 17, 1962 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 i ii!!! :I'ZTFIZIIIIIYIIZZEfiIZZZ: g I! I I 8 a 8 k 2 3 INVENTOR.

FRANK C. GROSS ATTORNEY May 25, 1965 Filed Dec. 1'7, 1962 F. c. GROSS 3,185,046

APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF CARTON ERECTION 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR.

FRANK C. GROSS BY @w0d@ ATTORNEY May 25, 1965 F. c. GROSS APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF CARTON ERECTION 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed Dec. 17, 1962 I INVENTOR.

FRANK C. GROSS ATTORNEY.

May 25, 1965 F. c. GROSS 3,185,045

APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF CARTON ERECTION Filed Dec. 17, 1962 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 I INVENTOR. FRANK C. GROSS ATTORNEY.

United States Patent 3,185,046 APPARATUS FGR AND METHOD ()F (IARTON ERECTION Frank C. Gross, 863 Ridge Road, Wilhraham, Mass. Filed Dec. 17, 1962, Ser. No. 245,948 21 Claims. (Cl. 93-3601) The present invention relates to new and useful improvements and structural refinements in an apparatus for forming and erecting cartons from die cut and prescored carton blanks, and to a method of simultaneously forming a particular type of blank, delineated an economy style blank, and liner therewith, and to a method of forming this particular type of blank with or without a liner, and also to the unique design and configuration of the economy style carton blank per se. It is directed more particularly to the provision of a unitary assembly having general utility in the arts for folding a carton blank, with or without a liner therefor, to final form as an erected carton while subjecting same to various heat sealing and pressure sealing operations.

Cognate subject matter not claimed is embraced in my companion copending application bearing Serial Number 840,396 and filed September 16, 1959, now patent No. 3,068,760, issued on December 18, 1962, of which the present application is a continuation-in-part, and the disclosure of the present application is hereby incorporated by reference as part of the disclosure of the parent application.

The invention resides in the construction, arrangement, location and relationship of the various elements, components, and instrumentalities of the carton forming apparatus and in the configuration of an economy style container blank, as exemplified in the detailed disclosure hereinafter set forth and wherein the objects of the invention, as defined in the paragraphs below, will be apparent.

Without intending to place undue limitations upon the scope of the invention beyond what may be required by the state of the prior art, the particular embodiment may be briefly described as embracing broadly the concept of a method in erecting a container blank, with or without a liner, in sequential erecting steps comprehending the preheating of certain of the carton panels for effectuating the heating of the heat scalable portions thereof, the prefolding of certain of the panels, the folding in seriatim of certain of the panels and glue tabs, and the deflecting of certain of the panels and glue tabs so as properly to position them, and the heat pressure sealing of certain of the interrelated panels, and a means answerable to that method envisioning cooperating instrumentalities constituting a carton erecting assemblage for forming a container or carton blank from a scored carton blank by folding the carton blank along certain of its score lines and heat sealing together various panels and/or glue tabs thereof by applying heat and pressure thereto. In accordance with the teachings hereof, the carton blank may be fed into a registering station, or the carton blank and liner may be fed simultaneously or in seriatim into the registering station, so as to assume positions of registry relatively to each other, all preliminary to the cartonerecting function.

Additionally, the invention envisions the instrumentation by which a scored carton blank and a liner formed from a sheeting of liner material may be simultaneously folded along the said score lines of the carton blank to efiectuate an integrated container and liner therefor.

It will be helpful to an understanding of this invention to first briefly consider some of the more important objects and features and aspects thereof and more particularly some of the features and aspects of the parent application with which the teachings of this invention may be employed, so that same may be kept in mind during the subsequent reading of the detailed description of the practical embodiments herein disclosed.

While, as aforestated, the present invention is envisioned as employing the principles, or certain thereof, of the parent application, it is to be noted that the principles of this invention may be embodied in any carton forming apparatus and/ or may be incorporated as a carton forming station in any carton filling or packaging machine.

A primary object of the invention is to teach a method aspect of carton erection wherewith the sequential steps of a carton-erecting technique may be successfully performed.

The apparatus aspect of the invention comprehends an erecting or folding and sealing assemblage stationarily secured to and unitarily removable from an apparatus which supports, and supplies movement to, a prime mover, as well as feed mechanisms for feeding carton blanks and, if desired, liners therefor, to a registering station in adjacency to said erecting assemblage.

The said assemblage is constituted by a plurality of stationary components which remain in fixed positions relative to the apparatus during operational use and by a plurality of movable components which are reciprocable relative to the apparatus and to the stationary components of the assemblage during operational use.

The movable components include a bottom panel plate subassembly which reciprocates linearly and coaxially with the reciprocating prime mover and an end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plate, hereinafter referred to as an end panel folding plate for purposes of brevity, at each end of the bottom panel plate and hingedly secured thereto so as to be moveable therewith and a front panel folding plate and a rear panel folding plate at opposite sides of the bottom panel plate and hingedly secured thereto also so as to be movable therewith.

The bottom panel plate subassembly and the end and front and rear panel folding plates coact to constitute a movable carton folding and sealing means movable in one direction responsive to the carton-erecting movement of a reciprocating forming mandrel or prime mover and movable in a return direction to their normal rest positions responsive to an air cylinder or equivalent spring return mechanism concomitantly with the retrograde movement of the forming mandrel.

With a carton blank, or with a carton blank and related liner, positioned relative to the erecting assemblage, and with the forming mandrel actuated theretoward, the forming mandrel clamps the bottom panel of the carton blank to the bottom panel plate of a bottom panel plate subassemoly while the mandrel moves in carton-erecting direction to effectuate the articulating movements, in timed sequence, of the end panel folding plates and of the front and rear panel folding plates and the consequent folding of the end and front and rear panels of the carton into carton erected position. Simultaneously therewith, under heat and pressure, the overlapping carton panels are sealed into carton-formed position and such sealing continues during the retrograde movement of the mandrel, the erected carton and the plates of the said assemblage travelling therewith under actuation of the air cylinder or spring means as the plates return to normal non-operative position for the completion of the carton erecting cycle.

Upon the return of the articulated components of the erecting assemblage return to their inward, normal rest positions, the forming mandrel continues its retrograde movement to free the erected carton or combination carton and liner therefrom by a suitable stripping mechanism.

One essential point of the present invention lies in the provision of a new and novel method of forming and sealing, permitting the use of a simple mechanical mandrel operation such as that disclosed in the parent applica-' tion, which mandrel will beof a reciprocating type such that, in a single cycle, it will move linearly in a cartonerecting stroke and return in a retrograde stroke functioning as a prime mover in manner to effectuate the outward movement of the bottom panel plate subassembly (the bottom panel plate and its related panel folding plates) relative to the stationary elements of the erecting assemblage.

It is another essential purpose hereof to provide an inventively novel and improved construction of the type defined in which a carton forming apparatus incorporates means for applying heat and pressure at points where a seal is to be made in the course of carton erection and during the carton erecting and retrograde travel of the forming mandrel.

The invention additionally comprehends the preheating of certain of the carton panels for eft'ectuating the conditioning of certain panels or portions thereof which have been pretreated with a heat sealing medium, the folding in seriatim of certain of the panels and glue tabs thereof and the defiect'mg of certain of the panels so as properly to position them prior to heat and pressure sealing, all as sequential steps in a method of carton erecting, it being understood that the carton envisioned for use in connection herewith preferentially carries spot coatings or overall coatings of a heat-scalable medium on certain surfaces of certain of its panels which may be subjected to heating and pressure sealing during certain of the sequential steps in the carton-erecting operation whereby the fully erected end product is fully sealed in certain contacting and permanently-bonded areas or portionsthereof.

Heating elements for effecting same are suitably positioned on the end panel folding plates hingedly connected relative to the main body of the erecting assemblage and constituting therewith a unitary structure to facilitate the application of heat from the outside of the carton being erected. Heating elements may also be suitably positioned, if desired, on the forming mandrel so as to facilitate the application of additional heat from the inside of the carton.

As will appear, it is a purpose hereof to provide, in the case of spot coated carton blanks, as differentiated from over-all coated blanks, heat and pressure sealing elements not only adjacent certain of the outside surfaces of the carton blank but also adjacent certainof the inside surfaces thereof, all so as to accelerate the heat sealing action and to lend to high erection speeds.

Another chief object of the invention is to provide a carton erecting apparatus wherein the required heat sealing time is shortened due to a preheating feature wherein the carton blank or parts thereof may be heated prior to and during the folding operations.

It will be added here that the heating and pressure sealing means are easily adjustable so as to provide ver satility to the apparatus, it being easily convertible and adaptable to any one of a wide range of desired operating conditions.

As a further and most salient feature, the self-aligning or floating capability of certain ofthe components'facilitates the equalizing of the heat sealing pressure on both ends of the carton blank during carton erection, certain components of the erecting assemblage being free to adjust transversely relative to the main axis of movement of the forming mandrel.

In addition to the practical advantages which I have herein ascribed to my novel carton forming arrangement, it will be observable that another chief feature hereof, made possible by the use of the aforedescribed erecting assemblage, resides in its capability of discharging an erected carton from substantially the location of the carton blank immediately prior to the initiation of the erecting process in that the arrangement does not operate on the principle of thrusting or pushing a formed carton through a forming section to the opposite side thereof, a principle well known in the prior art, but rather operates on the principle of returning a formed carton to a point adjacent that where the carton blank is initially disposed before erection. Thus, the length of the forming stroke required for the forming mandrel is appreciably reduced, and the speed of operation is thereby accelerated so as to offer possibilities of increased production.

The present invention, incorporating certain basic features of the parent application, comprehends the forming of an economy style carton blank, same being of a type wherein appreciable savings of material, in the area of 15 to 25%, depending on the blank size, are attained in the blanking operation by virtue of the fact that more blanks may be formed from a single sheet of stock than is now possible with conventional style blanks of the type such as illustrated in said parent application.

In contradistinction to the method and apparatus disclosed in the parent application, herein differences in the forming sequence of an economy style carton will be observable, same necessitating modifications in the equipment for forming same.

It is to be understood that the physical embodiments and the structural details thereof as herein describedand illustrated are only indicative of but several of the various ways, albeit the preferred ways, in which the principles of the. invention may be employed and in which the component parts may be combined and arranged. However, said embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of, nor limiting of, the spirit hereof. The precise constructions of the figures of the drawings need not be slavishly followed as, of course, various components may reasonably and understandably have to be modified in accordance with any specific use to which it is to be put. Stated otherwise, the objects are susceptible of attainment by use of constructions differing in certain respects from that disclosed, all without departing from the underlying principles hereof.

The advantages hereof as outlined are best realized when all of its features and instrumentalities are combined, but useful embodiments may be produced involving less than the whole and it will be borne in mind, in the reading of this specification and the claims which follow, that all of the recited components need not necessarily be present in a single apparatus in order to satisfy the spirit and scope hereof.

The novel features which I consider as characteristic of my invention, as to its principles of design and operation, and as to its construction and organization, will be best understood from a consideration of the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an economy style, tray or carton type blank;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a conventional style, tray or carton type blank for purposes of comparison with the blank of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an economy style blank as shown in FIG. 1 and shown in solid lines, superimposed upon a conventional style blank, as shown in FIG. 2 and shown in phantom lines;

FIGS. 4-8 are end elevational views, illustrating somewhat diagrammatically, in a progressive series, the sequential steps in the folding of the bottom panel glue tabs, front and rear and end panels, and rear panel glue tabs of a carton blank in the program of carton erection from an economy style blank;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of the partially erected carton of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary front sectional view of certain components of the prefolding mechanisms and of certain blank and liner guide and locating members showing a tray blank and cooperant liner in registered position before the initiation of the forming cycle;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the components shown in FIG. 10 with the tray blank and cooperant liner having been carried forwardly from their station of registration by the forming mandrel and into their respective pre-folded positions;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the forming or erecting assembly of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view showing the blank and liner completely erected into a tray with a liner, the mandrel and forming assembly being shown at the inward extremity of the folding and sealing cycle;

FIG. 14 is a partial end elevational view taken from the left of FIG. 13 with portions of the prime mover and tray blank and liner glides being broken away for purposes of clarity;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view on the line 15-15 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary view of a tray and cooperant liner and a folding and sealing plate modified to include spring means for pressing the liner into heat sealing position;

FIG. 17 illustrates, in perspective view, an economy style blank, with bottom panel glue .tabs incorporated therewith, in erected position as a tray;

FIG. 18 illustrates, in perspective view an economy style blank, without bottom panel glue tabs, in erected position as a tray;

FIG. 19 illustrates, in perspective view, an economy style blank, with bottom panel glue tabs incorporated therewith, in erected position as a carton with a hinged cover;

FIG. 20 illustrates in perspective view, an economy style blank, in erected position as a tray, with a liner cooperant therewith;

FIG. 21 illustrates, in perspective view, an economy style blank, with bottom panel glue tabes incorporated therewith, in erected position as a tray, and with a liner cooperant therewith, with portions of the blank being broken away for purposes of clarity; and

FIG. 22 illustrates, in perspective view, an economy style blank, without bottom panel glue tabs, in erected position as a tray, and with a liner cooperant therewith, with portions of the blank being broken away for purposes of clarity.

In a detailed description and in the claims therefollowing, various components and details thereof are identified by specific names and terms for convenience. However, these names and terms are intended to be as generic in their application as the art will permit.

With continued reference now to the drawings, which illustrate a typical embodiment of the invention for the purpose of disclosure, I have provided figures in greatly simplified form, and some in semi-diagrammatic form, showing the essentials of the invention as advantageously incorporated within the rudiments of a specific apparatus, all in order that the general relationship of components and their interaction may be better understood.

And it is to be understood that the apparatus may be modified to suit individual and/or specific operating requirements. For instance, while I have shown herein a horizontally-reciprocating forming mandrel or prime mover, relative to a base or flooring above which the apparatus is supported, it will be evident that the apparatus can be suitably operated as by a vertically-reciprocating prime mover, as illustrated in the parent application, or may be otherwise disposed, such as angularly, through appropriate and suitable modification.

As previously alluded to, I have not shown herein any means for actuating or motivating the prime mover, it being comprehended that same could be caused to operate under the influence of any suitable motivating means, nor have 1 shown any means for feeding the carton blanks and/ or liners relative to the assemblage. As to such feed means, it is to be explained that, conceivably, feeding could be accomplished manually or by means of feed hoppers or equivalent holding a supply of carton blanks or by means of web rolls or equivalent from which sections forming liner blanks may be severed, which feeding components may be of any of the known styles, equipped for feeding the blanks and liner sheets simultaneously with each other or in seriatim, into proper registration with each other preliminary to erection. Nor have I shown herein any means for removing the erected carton from the forming mandrel, it being understood that such discharge may be accomplished by hand or by suitable mechanical discharge means.

The economy style carton blank comprehended herein may be formed of any foldable material, although preferentially, it is formed of paperboard.

Further preferentially, the carton blank will carry spot coatings or overall coatings of a heat-sealable medium on certain surfaces of certain of its panels, which panels may be subjected to heating and pressure sealing during certain of the sequential steps in the carton-erecting operation whereby the fully erected end product is fully sealed in certain contacting and permanently-bonded areas or portions thereof.

The liners comprehended for use herein may be formed of any sheeting of a suitable film, paper or foil or laminated combinations thereof, and preferably may have an overall heat sealable coating on one surface thereof. A material found particularly suitable for such purpose has been made commercially available by Reynolds Aluminum Co. under the proprietary name Reyseal. Such heat sealable surface of the liner would usually contact the inside surfaces of the container.

In FIG. 1, I have shown, in top plan view, an ecenomy style tray or carton type blank, generally indicated by numeral 16), which is die cut and prescored, its component elements comprising a bottom panel 12, front and rear panels 14 and 16 respectfully which are hingedly connected to the bottom panel at opposite side edges thereof along score or folding lines 18 and 20 respectfully, with an end panel 22 at each opposite end edge of the front panel which is hingedly connected thereto along the respective score line 24, 26, with a dust flap 28 at the upper edge of each end panel which is hingedly connected thereto along the respective score line 30, with a bottom panel glue tab 32 at each end edge of the bottom panel which is hingedly connected thereto along the respective score line 34, and with a rear panel glue tab 36 at each end edge of the rear panel which is hingedly connected thereto along the respective score line 38.

Bottom panel glue tabs 32 are each provided with one end edge 4% which is angularly-disposed relative to the longitudinal axis defined by score line 20, the angle being delineated by the letter A, and rear panel glue tabs 36 are each provided with one end edge 42 which is angularlydisposed relative to said longitudinal axis, the angle being delineated by the letter B, angle A being equal to or greater than angle B and preferentially, the sum of the angles A and B, represented by the letter C, being or slightly greater than 90, for reasons as will appear in due course.

It is to be explained that, herein, the score or folding crease lines are indicated by broken lines in flat representation and in full lines in folded or partially folded representation, except in the case of cut score 26, which is a part of score line 24 between front panel 14 and each end panel 22. All other score lines may be crease or cut scores or combinations thereof to suit the particular needs of a specific container or of a specific type of material.

In the design of a blank of such a configuration that a slit 43 is provided so as not to require the removal of stock between end panel 22 and glue tab 32, it is imperative that score 26 which is a portion of score line 24 be a cut score so as to permit the formation of a square tray or carton, a cut score eliminating the usual interference which a crease score would create. Such score 26 should be of length equal to or greater than the width of the adjacent glue tab 32, although conceivably the cut score may be provided throughout the full length of each front panelend panel interconnection.

With further reference to the economy style carton blank of FIG. 1, bottom panel glue tabs 32 and rear panel glue tabs 36 may be provided, on their respective outer surfaces which, as same operation-ally are rotated into confrontation with an inner surface of adjacent end panel 22, with a coating of a heat scalable medium 44, according to any desired and suitably-arranged glue pattern. Reversely, such coating may be provided on the inner surfaces of end panels 22, same not being shown in said FIG. 1 for purposes of clarity.

Such heat. scalable medium may be in the form of an overall coating on the panels or glue tabs in question or in the form of spaced, strategically-located spots, it being not necessary that both of the confrontable surfaces be so conditioned to effectuate successful heat sealing of one member to the other.

If otherwise desired, in preference to preconditioning the blanks with a heat sealing medium as aforedescribed, such medium conceivably could be applied to the appropriate surfaces of the panels or glue tabs in situ at the carton erecting station or adjacent thereto by Way of suitable instrumentation associated with the means supporting the components of this invention.

For purposes of comparison, I have shown in FIG. 2, in top plan view, a conventional style tray or carton type blank, generally indicated by numeral and comprising a bottom panel 52 and front and rear panels 54 and 56 respectively which are hingedly connected to said bottom panel at opposite side edges thereof along score lines 58 and 60 respectively. Additionally, at each opposite end edge of said front panel, a front panel glue tab 62 is hingedly connected thereto along the respective score line 64, and at each end edge of said bottom panel, an end panel 66 is hingedly connected thereto along the respective score line 68. Still further, at the opposite end edge of each said end panel, a dust flap 76 is hingedly connected thereto along the respective score line 72, and

at each end edge of said rear panel, a rear panel glue tab 74 is hingedly connected thereto along the respective score line 76.

Attention is directed to the usual removal of segments of stock between end panels 66 and respective adjacent glue tabs 62 and 74, the necessity for which is obviated in the case of the economy style blank carton of FIG. 1.

With conjoint reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, I have shown in FIG. 3 an economy style tray or carton type blank 10 in superposed relation upon a conventional style tray or carton type blank 50, to dramatize the markedly appreciable savings of material realizable with the economy style blank. Savings of material from between and depending on blank size, are achievable.

Whereas the blanks under comparison are shown as allowing continers of identical size, the overall length of the economy style blank will be observed to be shorter than the conventional style blank.

It will be apparent that an economy style blank may be identified as one wherein the depth, or height of the carton, inclusive of the dust flaps, exceeds the width of the erected carton. Such is possible when the width of the carton, whether it be of the tray or carton type, is less than the overall height of the end panel thereof.

In FIGS. 48, I have shown the successive or sequential stages or steps in the erection of a die cut and prescored economy style blank into a carton or container of the tray type according to the teaching of the invention, it being considered to be a simpler and more easily readable procedure first to illustrate these stages with reference to a carton blank alone and free of the instrumentation wherewith these stages are eifectuated.

In this connection, it will be'understood that the erection of a blank of the carton or tray type incorporating an integrally-attached cover member comprises essentially the same sequence of steps as are comprehended in the case of the erection of a blank of the tray type as shown in said FIGS. 4-8. And further, while therein, n0 cooperant liner is shown, it will also be understood that substantially the same sequence of steps obtains when an economy style blank and a cooperant liner are erected into a lined container, any minor differences in procedure being referenced subsequently at appropriate points in the recitation.

As illustrated, economy style blank 10 will be considered to be fed vertically downwardly into registering position from above in the direction of arrow D so as to be disposed in a predetermined location where it will be in register with a prime mover which, in operation, will reciprocate along a horizontal axis denoted by the phantom line B, firstly, in a left-to-right direction as denoted by arrow F, and secondly, reversely in a right-toleft direction as denoted by arrow G.

Alternatively, the blank could be initially fed horizontally sidewise to a position of proper registration with a vertically-reciprocating forming mandrel, all within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

In the first stage of the progression of sequential steps, represented by the showing of FIG. 4, the economy style blank 10 will be understood to be in proper register with the cooper-ant instrumentalities.

In the second stage of the progression, represented by the showing of FIG. 5, bottom panel glue tabs 32 are preliminarily folded to assume planes approximately at angles relative to the plane of bottom panel 12 along respective score lines 34.

In cases where an economy style blank and a cooperant liner are erected conjointly, it is necessary to prefold the front and rear panels 14 and 16 respectively, as shown in phantom in FIG. 5, for effecting a control of the end folds of the liner, and this is so whether or not the carton blank is of the normal type which incorporates bottom panel glue tabs or is of the type which may not necessitate same.

In the third stage of the progression, represented by the showing of FIG. 6, the aforedescribed initial folding is followed by the allowance of bottom panel glue tabs 32 to spring back so as to assume the somewhat angular positions shown.

With further reference to said third stage of the progression, and with bottom panel glue tabs 32 having so sprung backwardly, front and rear panels 14 and 16 respectively and end panels 22 and rear panel glue tabs 36 and bottom panel glue tabs 32 are partially folded with the folding of front panel 14, preceding the folding of rear panel 16 in point of time.

In the fourth stage of the progression, represented by the showing of FIG. 7, front panel 14 is observed to have been fully folded or erected to a position where it is disposed in a plane at substantially 90 relative to the plane of bottom panel 12 and end panels 22, bottom panel glue tabs 32 are observed to have been almost completely folded, and rear panel 16 and rear panel glue tabs 36 are observed to have been partially folded.

Conceivably, front panel 14 could be disposed in a plane greater than 90 to the plane of bottom panel 12 to suit certain conditions as may be required for a container with tapered sides.

It is here to be explained that, in the sequence of steps, rear panel 16 and rear panel glue tabs 36 are desirably not folded beyond the position illustrated in FIG. 7 until the other panels are in their illustrated positions, all to insure proper deflection of rear panel glue tabs 36 inwardly of their respective end panels 22.

Such confronting relationship of panels and glue tabs is best illustrated in the supplemental showing of FIG. 9 wherein it will be observed that rear panel glue tabs 36 and bottom panel glue tabs 32 are folded and rotated into their finally-erected positions before the respective end panels 22 assume their final positions relative thereto.

In the fifth and final stage of the progression, represented by the showing of FIG. 8, the fully erected carton condition is illustrated.

Thus, it will be observed that the sequential steps of folding the carton blank may be summarized as: first, prefolding the bottom panel glue tabs; second, deflecting the front panel; third, allowing the bottom panel glue tabs to spring backwardly during front panel deflection for the retaining engagement of each bottom panel glue tab behind its respective end panel; fourth, folding the end panels and bottom panel glue tabs and rear panel glue tabs simultaneously while the front panel is rotated into completely formed position and while the rear panel and associated rear panel glue tabs are partilaly rotated with the rear panel glue tabs being deflected inwardly of the adjacent end panels; fifth, completing the rotation of the rear panel and its associated glue tabs; sixth, and bringing the end panels and the associated bottom and rear panel glue tabs into sealing engagement.

Where a carton blank and a liner are formed simultaneously, it will be observed that the sequential steps may be summarized as: first, prefolding the bottom panel glue tabs and the portions of the liner cooperant therewith and simultaneously deflecting the front and rear panels and the portions of the liner cooperant therewith; second, allowing the bottom panel glue tabs to spring backwardly for the retaining engagement of each bottom panel glue tab behind its respective end panel; third, simultaneously folding the end panels and bottom panel glue tabs and the rear panel glue tabs and the portions of the liner cooperant therewith while the front panel and portions of the liner cooperant therewith are rotated into completely formed position and while the rear panel and the associated rear panel glue tabs and the portion of the liner cooperant therewith are partially rotated with the rear panel glue tabs being deflected inwardly of the adjacent end panels; fourth, completing the rotation of the rear panel and its associated glue tabs and the portions of the liner cooperant therewith; and fifth, bringing the end panels and the associated bottom and rear panel glue tabs and the cooperant liner into overlapping and sealing engagement.

It is here to be stressed that conceivably a carton blank could be employed which did not employ the bottom panel glue tabs, in which instance, the sequential steps would comprise: first, folding the end panels and rear panel glue tabs simultaneously while the front panel is rotated into completely formed position and while the rear panel and associated rear panel glue tabs are partially rotated with the rear panel glue tabs being deflected inwardly of the adjacent end panels; second, completing the rotation of the rear panel and its associated glue tabs; and third bringing the end panels and the rear panel glue tabs into sealing engagement.

And where such a carton blank, absent bottom panel glue tabs, is employed and the liner is simultaneously formed therewith, the sequential steps may be observed to include: first, simultaneously deflecting the front and rear panels and the portions of the liner cooperant therewith and the prefolding of portions of the liner extending outwardly of the opposite ends of the bottom panel;

second, simultaneously folding the end panels and the rear panel glue tabs and the portions of the liner cooperant therewith while the front panel and portions of the liner cooperant therewith are rotated into completely formed position and while the rear panel and the associated rear panel glue tabs and the portion of the liner cooperant therewith are partially rotated with the rear panel glue tabs being deflected inwardly of the adjacent end panels completing the rotation of the rear panel and its associated glue tabs and the portions of the liner cooperant therewith; and third, bringing the end panels and the rear panel glue tabs and the cooperant liner into overlapping and sealing engagement.

Reference will now be made to the registration and prefolding components of the apparatus of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. For purpose of simplification, the framework of a supporting apparatus which aids in the positioning of these registration and prefolding components relatively to each other is not shown in an effort to simplify the disclosure, any suitable conventional framework being adapted for such support function and not constituting a part of the invention hereof.

Likewise it is to be understood that the components of the apparatus which support and supply reciprocating movement to a prime mover or forming mandrel, designated by 1% in FIG. 11, and the feeding mechanism which feeds the economy style blank from a stack or magazine or equivalent supply means and a cooperant liner, if one be used, from a stack or roll or equivalent supply means, to a registration point or station, as defined by the instrumentation hereof, are not shown, again for the reason that same do not constitute parts of this invention.

With reference to FIG. 10, an economy style blank 16 and a liner L will be understood to have been fed simul taneously, or in seriatim, to their respective positions of registry at the so-called registration position, whereat they are disposed in substantial face-to-face relationship with each other.

The outer edge portions of end panels 22 of the blank are each receivable within the adjacent inwardly-facing vertically-disposed registration slot 162 provided in a vertically-disposed blank guide 106 at each side of the registration position or station. That is, blank guides are disposed in spaced parallelism as to each other and are each provided with an inwardly-facing vertically-disposed registration slot 102.

Blank guides 106 are spaced as to each other as to allow sliding accommodation therebetween of a blank 10 in manner whereby the outer edge portions of end panels 22 of said blank are slidably receivable within the respective registration slot 102.

It is to be understood that blank guides 106 are adjustably positioned relative to suitable frame members of the support means whereby they may be variably positioned so as to serve blanks of different dimensions.

Rearwardly of each blank guide 166 and adjustably se cured thereto as by any conventional means, not shown, is a vertically-disposed liner guide 104, which will allow a pair of such liner guide strategically located in spaced parallel relationship as to each other on opposite sides of the registration point or station and in a vertical plane immediately and rearwardly adjacent the vertical plane of blank guides 106.

Said liner guides will desirably project inwardly toward the center of the registration point and will extend inwardly beyond the vertical plane defined by the registration slot 102 of their respective blank guides.

Being adjustable, the positioning of liner guides 1G4 relatively to blank guides 106 may be varied to the accommodation of blanks and liners of varying dimen- SlOl'lS.

It is here to be explained that,'with a blank being receiva-ble within the registration slots of the blank guides, sufficient clearance is allowed for the reception therebel l hind of a liner so that the opposite side edge portions of the liner will be supported by and forwardly of the respective liner guides, all as shown in FIG. 10.

Within and at the lower portion of each registration slot 102, an insert 108 is rernovably receivable, which insert is provided with an upper inwardly-inclined planar surface 110 and an inner vertically-disposed planar surface 112, which planar surfaces are disposed in pairs on opposite sides of the registration point and serve conjointly to center liner L as same is moved vertically into registering position.

Said inserts 108 may 'be adjusted in their positions relative to the respective slots, or may be replaced with inserts of other configurations but of identical purpose, so as to accommodate blanks and liners of different dimensions.

Forwardly of and adjacent the lower extremities of liner guides 104 and vertically beneath the lower extremities of blank guides 106, a pair of coaxially-disposed liner stops 114 are adjustably secured to said liner and blank guides by any suitable means in manner to close the lower open end of the respective registration slot 102 and to allow aligned upper planar surfaces 116 which the lowermost edge of liner L will abut, when and as it assumes the desired registering position.

Said liner stops 114 may be vertically adjusted relative to liner guides 104 and blank guides 166 so as to var the positioning of liners L accommodated thereby, all whereby liners of varying dimensions may be served by the same apparatus.

Strategically located within each registration slot 102, a blank stop 118 is adjustably secured by any suitable means, the blank stops of the pair thereof being horizontally aligned as to each other to allow a limit shoulder at each side of the registration station against which the edge of one of the end panels 22 of blank 1G abuts as the blank assumes its desired registering position.

Adjustably secured to each liner stop 114, by any suitable means in manner to project upwardly and forwardly thereof, is an inclined rear panel and liner guide and prefolder 122 which may be adjusted relative to said liner stops to accommodate blanks and liners of varying sizes.

Said rear panel and liner guides and prefolders function operationally to initiate guiding and prefolding of rear panel 16 of the carton blank and liner L, when and where used, delivered to the registering station and in the process of being pushed forwardly therefrom by forming mandrel 100.

For purposes of simultaneously erecting a carton blank and cooperant liner, there will be additionally provided, so as to depend downwardly from the frame of the apparatus by suitable and conventional means (not shown), a pair of adjustable horizontally-spaced, parallel, fingerlike front panel and liner prefolders 126, which project in a vertical plane immediately forwardly of the vertical plane defined by a registered-in-position blank and liner. They function operationally to initiate prefolding of front panel 14 of the carton blank and liner L delivered to the registering station as they are pushed forwardly therefrom by forming mandrel Ifitl.

Here also, said front panel and liner prefolders may be adjustably positioned relative to the registration point or station to accommodate blanks and liners of varying dimensions.

At each blank guide 186, on the outwardly facing side thereof, an inwardly and forwardly inclined bottom panel glue tab folder 128 is adjustably secured by any suitable means, they being horizontally aligned as to each other, and extending generally inwardly toward each other inwardly of the vertical plane defined by its respective blank guide a sufiicient distance as to assure confrontation with the respective bottom panel glue tab and the deflection thereof as forming mandrel moves forwardly through the registration station in manner to drive blank 10, or blank 10 and liner L, therewith.

The registration station, hereinabove referred to, will now be defined as being that area defined by the pairs of liner and blank guides, the pair of liner stops and the associated pair of rear panel and liner guides and prefolders, the pair of front panel and liner prefolders, and the pair of bottom panel glue tab folders, and through said registration station, the horizontally-disposed forming mandrel 100 will be understood to be movable -trans versely relatively thereto in a forward carton-erecting direction from a position rearwardly of the plane defined by the registration station to a position forwardly of said plane and reversely in a retrograde carton sealing and pressurizing and erected carton ejection direction.

As the forward face of forming mandrel 109 projects through the registation zone, bottom panel 12 of the blank and the adjacent portion of liner L are in registration with said forming mandrel forward face so as to be projected forwardly therewith, as shown in FIG. 11, with bottom panel glue tab folders 128 serving to deflect the respective bottom panel glue tabs 32 and adjacent liner portions rearwardly, and with front panel and liner prefolders 126 serving to deflect the front panel 14 and adjacent liner portions rearwardly, and with rear panel and liner guides and prefolders 122 serving to deflect the rear panel and adjacent liner portion rearwardly.

Such simultaneous prefolding features. are essential so as properly to control the initiation of the liner folds,

particularly in the corner areas of the opposite ends of the liner in process of being erected.

With continued reference to FIG. 11, the carton blank and liner will be observed to be located not only at the so called prefolding station of the carton erection process but also at the station where the bottom panel of the blank is in confrontation with a blank retainer plate 320, subsequently to be described, which blank retainer plate is projected into blank retaining position outwardly of the plane of a bottom panel plate 310, said blank retainer plate serving to hold the blank and liner in their positions of register as to each other and as to the face of the forming mandrel as said mandrel moves the carton blank and liner past the prefolders 122, 126 and 128 and into engagement with the foldingand sealing components now to be described.

Said blank retainer plate 320 will be observed to be spring loaded with respect to a slide shaft 220 supporting said bottom plate 310 by a spring means 328, all as will hereinafter be defined in detail.

Blank 10 and liner L having so been driven forwardly, bottom panel 12 of the blank first confronts the erecting, or forming and sealing, assemblage of the invention aligned with said forming mandrel and disposed forwardly thereof, which erecting, or folding and sealing, assemblage will now be described.

It will be first understood that said assemblage will be stationarily or rigidly fixed to the same supporting construction which accommodates the registering and prefolding instrumentation of the invention.

Basically, said assemblage comprises a plurality of stationary or fixed components which, during operational use, will remain in fixed positions relative to the assemblage and to the supporting structure and a plurality of movable components which, during operational use, will move cooperantly according to the dictates of prime mover 100 in one forward or carton-erecting direction and of an air cylinder or equivalent spring return means, to be described, in a rearward or retrogrademovement.

The stationary or rigidly fixed components of the assemblage will first be described.

A pair of spaced horizontally-extending cross-braces 200 may be held in separated parallel relationship as to each other by a suitably configured spacer 202 disposed therebetween and secured thereto as by a bolt 204 and nut (not shown) adjacent each end section of the interrelated cross-braces, and a pair of spaced vertically, extending posts 210 may be similarly held in separated parallel relaarsaoae l3 tionship as to each other by other spacers (not shown) and disposed therebetween and secured thereto.

The employment of such spacers allows the adjustable spacing of the cross-braces as to each other and the adjustable spacing of the posts as to each other.

Said cross-braces of the pair thereof and posts of the pair thereof are arranged in right angular relationship as to each other in crossing manner, with the cross-braces being disposed in a vertical plane forwardly of the vertical plane of the posts, as viewed in FIG. 13, and the pair of cross-braces and the pair of posts are secured to each other as by pairs of gibs, one forward pair of suitably notched gibs 212 being secured to the forwardly-facing faces of the cross-braces as by bolts 214 or equivalent and one rearward pair of suitably-notched gibs 216 being secured to the rearwardly-facing faces of the posts as by bolts 218 or equivalent, said gibs cooperating for holding in place a horizontally-arranged slide shaft 220 in known manner as adjusting or take-up shoes having as their function to insure a proper sliding fit therebetween and to make possible the taking up of the wear after the proper adjustment has been lost through continued service.

The slide shaft 220 is provided, along its length with a raised, substantially square portion 221, and a relieved substantially cylindrical portion 223, as may be observed in FIGS. 13 and 15.

As will be appear, during the folding portion of the cycle, the square portion 221 is accurately guided in both sets of the notched gibs 212 and 216 for maintaining proper registration of all components with each other, and during the sealing portion of the cycle, the relieved cylindrical portion enters the first set of gibs to allow the entire assembly to float within certain predetermined limits so as to provide a self-aligned feature which will aid in the equalizing of the heat sealing pressure, as will appear.

With references to FIG. 12, the rearmost end of slide shaft 220 is suitably threaded to receive the forwardmost end of a horizontally-disposed coaxially-aligned piston rod 230 extending forwardly from a rearmost-located air cylinder 232, which air cylinder is provided with suitable air connections 234 for appropriate connection to a source of air supply (not shown) in known manner.

Said air cylinder may be suitably supported in a generally horizontally-disposed position as by a verticallydisposed end plate 236 which the air cylinder embraces and through a central opening of which the piston rod and securing mean on the end face of the air cylinder extends. The securing mean is adapted to be threadedly engaged as by a nut 238 or similar device wherewith the air cylinder is clamped to the end plate. A pair of spaced air cylinder support brackets 240 have rearmost end portions which are interengageable with said end plate as by bolts 242 and nuts 244 or equivalent in known manner and have forwardmost end portions which are interengageable each with a side face of one of the posts as by bolts 246, as best shown in FIG. 12, all to the end that the air cylinder is supported relative to the rest of the erecting assemblage. Said air cylinder support brackets are not shown in FIG. 13 for purposes of simplification.

A front panel actuating roll arm support bracket 250, disposed in horizontal alignment with and vertically above slide shaft 229, is fixedly secured to posts 210 of the pair thereof as by forward and rearward bracket clamp plates 252 and 254 respectively which are disposed against the forward and rearward faces of the posts respectively, with said bracket 250 being clamped between the forward clamp plate and the forward faces of the posts as by bolts 256.

Similarly, a rear panel actuating roll arm support bracket 260, disposed in horizontal alignment with and vertically below slide shaft 229, is fixedly secured to the posts of the pair thereof as by other forward and rearward bracket clamp plates 2&2 and 264 respectively which are disposed adjacent the forward and rearward faces of the posts respectively, with said bracket 260 being id clamped between the forward clamp plate and the forward faces of the posts as by bolts 266.

Vertical adjustment of brackets 250 and 266 relatively to the posts is allowed by the conventional loosening of bolts 256 and 266 respectively, the manual movement of said brackets, and the retightening of the respective bolts when the brackets have assumed the desired readjustment positions.

Brackets 250 and 259 are both suitably slotted at 268. A front panel actuating roll arm 270 and a rear panel actuating roll arm 280 are slidably engaged each with its respective bracket as by a bolt 272 extendable through the slot of the bracket and threadedly engageable in the respective actuating roll arm. The front and rear panel actuating roll arms are each forwardly and rearwardly movable relative to their respective brackets by a loosening of bolt 272, a desired adjustment movement of the actuating roll arm relative to the bracket, and a retightening of the bolt.

Transversely-arranged front panel and rear panel actuating rolls 274 and 284 respectively are suitably journalled in the forward ends of front and rear panel actuating roll arms 270 and 286 respectively.

In operation, front panel actuating roll 274 will be desirably disposed in a vertical plane forwardly of the vertical plane of rear panel actuating roll 284, for purposes as will appear.

At each side of slide shaft 229, an end panel folding and sealing bracket 2% is adjust-ably secured to the forward faces of the pair of cross braces 260 as by a bolt 292 extendable through an apertured plate 294 and through the space allowed between the cross braces and threadedly engageable with a foot portion of the respective said folding and sealing bracket.

Each said end panel folding and sealing bracket will be suitably bifurcated or otherwise configured to allow reception therethrough of an end panel folding and sealing arm 296 pivotally mounted relatively to its respective bracket as by a pin 293, said arm having a transverselyarranged end panel folding and sealing roll 3% suitably journalled in its forward end and having a transversely extending spring-loaded bolt 302 threadedly engaged therewith at its rearward end serving to urge the rearward end of the arm away from the longitudinal axis defined by slide shaft 220 and to bear against an adjustable stop means 364 threadedly secured to the respective end panel folding and sealing bracket, all whereby the forward end of the arm is urged toward the longitudinal axis of slide shaft 220.

With reference now to FIGS. 10 and 11, the blank retainer plate 320 of the bottom plate subassembly is interconnected to and guided relative to the bottom plate 310 of said subassembly by means of a blank retainer plate support pin 322 centrally located relative to the rearwardly-facing face of the blank retainer plate and having an outer end fixedly secured thereto by appropriate means. The said pin is of such a length as to allow its opposite end portion to be receivable within a suitable longitudinal bore extending through said slide shaft and to be retained therevvithin by means of an enlarged head 324 at the said opposite end of said pin, which head will abut against an inwardly-extending radially-arranged limiting shoulder 326 of the slide shaft wherewith the for- Wardmost positioning of the blank retainer plate relative to the bottom plate is predetermined.

The spring-loading feature of said blank retainer plate is provided by a spring means 328 sleeved Within the slide shaft bore and having a forwardmost end bearable against pin head 324, as shown in FIG. 11.

A blank retainer plate guide pin 33% transversely-spaced from pin 322 is secured at the forward end to the rear face of said blank retainer plate and will be of such length that its rearward end will be extendable through a suitably located opening extending through said bottom plate, whether the blank retainer plate be in its normal forwardlyextended position of rest spaced from the bottom plate or in its extreme rearmost compressed operating position flush with the face of the. bottom plate, wherewith the blank retainer plate will be guided andsquared relatively to the bottom plate at all moments. Said normal or rest blank retainer plate position forwardly of the bottom plate by virtue of the aforedescribed spring loading is shown in FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 12, an end panel folding and sealing plate 340 is pivotally connected to bottom plate 31G at each end thereof as by a pivot pin 342. Means may be provided for adjusting the positioning of said pivot pins transversely relative to the bottom plate for purposes of adjusting the location of the end panel folding and sealing plates relative to the bottom plate, all whereby blanks of different dimensions may be accommodated by the same assemblage.

The opposed end panel folding and sealing plates 34% are interconnected by means of a pair of springs344 extendable therebetween astride and on opposite sides of slide shaft 220, each said spring being engageable at its opposite extremities with an adjacent spring stud 346 projecting outwardly from its respective end panel folding and sealing plate 340, wherewith the end panel folding and sealing plates are urged into normally open rest position where they are disposed in planes slightly angular relative to the plane of the face of bottom plate 310, as shown in FIG. 12. As will later appear, when the end panel folding and sealing plates are actuated into operating position, springs 344 are loaded so as to urge the plates to return to their normal open rest positions upon relief from their operative functions.

A cam member 350 is fixed to the rearward face of each said end panel folding and sealing plate as by bolts 352 or equivalent and is provided with a cam face 354 and a pressure dwell 356,

Theadjacent pressure roll 300 is operationally adapted to be rollable along said cam face to provide the requisite dwell time during the sealing phases of the cart-on erecting and retrograde travel of the forming mandrel and the bottom plate subassembly and the end folding and sealing plates travelling therewith.

Bottom panel and rear panel glue tab deflector plates 341 may be fixed to the forward faces of each of the end panel folding and sealing plates by any suitable means and may comprise a step or offset serving in point of time to be brought into confrontation with the respective said glue tabs before the respective end panels are brought into confrontation therewith.

Alternatively, instead of deflector plates being stationarily secured as above stated, offsets could be machined into the forward faces.

In FIG. 13, I have illustrated a rear panel glue tab 36, in phantom, out of folding sequence merely to show same as resting against a deflector plate 341.

Cartridge heaters 358 or electrodes for dielectric sealing or equivalent conventional heating means (not shown) are disposed in appropriate cavities or recesses withineach end panel folding and sealing plate and forming mandrel, with appropriate energization and control means being associated therewith, and here again same are not shown for purposes of simplifying the drawings.

A front panel folding plate 360 is secured to the face of a roller engaging member 36 which is pivotally engaged as by a pivot 362 to the bottom plate 310. On the outer surface of the member 364, the adjacent actuating roll 274 is operationally adapted to be rollable along the rearward face thereof to provide the requisite front panel folding action during the carton erecting travelof the bottom plate subassembly and the front panel folding plate travelling therewith.

A rear panel folding plate 370 is secured to the face of a roller engaging member 374 which is pivotally engaged as by a pivot 372 to the bottom plate 310. On the outer surface of the member 364, the adjacent actuating l 3 roll 284 is operationally adapted to be reliable along the rearward face thereof to provide the requisite rear panel folding action during the carton erecting travel of the bottom plate subassembly and the rear panel folding plate travelling therewith.

Torsion springs .378 are provided for returning the front and rear folding plates.

Torsion springs 378 are sleeved upon the respective pins 3&2 and 372 between bottom plate 310 and a suitably positioned collar 379 and function to effect return of the respective front and rear panel folding plates to their. normal rest positions, which positions could be in planes,

parallel to each other or in any suitable planes angular as to each other.

The apparatus of the invention is such as to allow the performance of all of the prefolding and folding and sealing operations in a series of sequential steps in a single cyclic movement. 7

The initial stage of the operation comprehends the registering of the blank relative to the forming mandrel, or, where a liner is used, the registering of the blank and liner relative to each other and relative to the forming mandrel, all at the registration station.

So registered, the forming mandrel is actuated in its carton-erecting direction so as to embrace, with its forward face, the bottom panel of the carton, or the liner adjacent the bottom panel of the carton where a liner is employed, and to urge the carton blank, or the liner and carton blank, toward the blank retainer plate, with the end panel glue tabs and the front and rear panels being deflected from their coplanar relationship with the bottom panel as the bottom panel is clamped between the forward face of the mandrel and the opposed face of the blank retaining plate.

The end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plates and the front and rear panel folding. plates are so strategically positioned to each other as to allow such actuation thereof in point of time that the front panel folding plate. first achieves a full folding of the front panel14 (i.e. a fold of between front panel 14 and bottom panel 12) while each end panel folding and sealing plate has achieved an almost complete folding ofits associated end panel .22 and bottom panel glue tab 32 and rear panel glue tab 36, and rear panel glue tab deflector plates 341 having deflected their. respective glue tabs forward of end panels 22, and whilethe rear panel folding plate has achieved only a partial folding of the rear panel 16.

Continued carton erecting motion of the forming mandrel next .assures the full folding of the rear panel folding plate and consequent erection of the respective rear panel, and rear panel glue tabs therewith, with the end panel and glue tab folding plates continuing their respective movements to bring the end panels and glue tabs into sealing position.

In FIG. 13, mandrel 10% and the erecting assemblage will be observed to be positioned at the inward end of the carton erecting direction of movement.

' Rollers 274-and 284 will be observed to have urgedfront and rear panel folding plates 360 and 370 into fully erected position.

Simultaneously, rollers 300 will be understood to have urged their associated end panel folding and sealing plates 340 into fully erected position, all to the end that an erected tray or container is formed.

The preheating time of the end panels and glue tabs and the overlapping end folds of the liner when a liner is simultaneously formed therewith is represented as the total time during which the end panels and glue tabs are sufliciently close to the end panel folding and sealing plates as to be heated thereby and the heat sealing time of the end panels and glue tabs and the overlapping folds of the liner is represented as the total time during which the end panels and glue tabs and overlapping folds of the liner are subjected to the pressure of the end panel folding and sealing plates by their respective pressure rolls in cammed relationship with the cam members thereof during the sealing portion of the carton erecting travel of the forming mandrel and during the sealing portion of the retrograde travel thereof.

As an additional feature, the outermost face of blank retainer plate may be faced by a lining 321 of soft, resilient material, such as a sponge rubber or the like, and the confronting bottom face of the forming mandrel may be relieved for accommodating of the said face of said blank retainer plate.

By the coaction of the so-constituted blank retainer plate and bottom face of the prime mover, bottom panel 12 of the carton blank will be observed to be deformed inwardly, under pressure so as to overbreak along carton blank score lines 18, 20 and 34 beyond 90 wherefore a more-squarely formed carton results.

The slide shaft will be observed to be provided with a relieved portion 223 for the purpose of allowing a floating feature during the sealing part of the cycle where the relieved portion of the slide shaft enters the first set of gibs to allow the entire movable assembly to float a controlled amount and to be self-aligning wherewith the heat sealing pressure is equalized.

By the heat sealing means, the interengagement of the outer face of each glue tab and a portion of the inner face of the related end panel is realized.

When the forming mandrel is released and withdrawn outwardly, the now-erected carton travels with the forming mandrel until acted upon by suitably positioned stripper fingers (not shown).

It is to be here noted that the apparatus hereof does not push the formed carton through the forming section, in contradistinction from most prior art devices, but rather returns it to a point distantly of the forming sections for discharge therefrom, all to the end that the length of the stroke required forthe forming mandrel is appreciably reduced, a feature especially advantageous in the case of formed cartons incorporating hinged covers.

The retrograde movement of the forming mandrel allows the concomitant movement of the slide shaft by the air cylinder so as to lead to the return, to normal rest positions, of the bottom panel plate and of the end folding and sealing plates, and of the front and rear folding plates coplanar with or almost coplanar with the bottom plate.

When and as the bottom plate comes to its rest position, the continued retrograde movement of the forming mandrel serves to allow the following therewith of the spring loaded blank retainer plate so as to assume its respective position of rest.

By the unique arrangement hereof, I provide for the forming of a carton or tray from an economy style blank by themselves or simultaneously with a cooperant liner.

Such is allowed by means of a mechanism wherein the heating and pressure sealing functions are performed during'a portion of both the in and out travel of the forming mandrel, and wherein the end folder and sealing plates are hinged to the bottom plate and are self-alignable therewith so as to travel with the carton or tray, with or without its cooperant liner, while it is being formed and sealed and to permit the equalization of the heat-sealing pressure exerted upon the respective end panel of the carton.

In FIG. 16, I have illustrated, in partial section, a formed carton blank and cooperant liner L in combination with an end panel folding and sealing plate 344) wherein a pair of spring like members 343 and 345 cooperate to exert pressure directly against the upper or outer overlapping seam of the liner and against the dust flap adjacent the overlapping seam of the liner so as indirectly to bear thereagainst all so as to heat seal the portions of the overlapped seam of the liner outwardly of the respective end panel folding and sealing plate.

In FIGS. 17-22, I have illustrated formed containers or trays erected from the economy style blank of the invention with and without cooperant liners.

In FIG. 17, I have shown the economy style blank 10 of FIG. 1 erected as a tray incorporating the bottom panel glue tabs 32.

In FIG. 18, I have illustrated an economy style blank erected as a tray wherein the bottom panel glue tabs have been eliminated, a sometimes desired arrangement.

In FIG. 19, the economy style blank erected as a carton and modified to include a cover 17 and cover flap 19 has been illustrated.

In FIG. 20, I have shown the economy style blank with liner L cooperant therewith, same being in erected position as a lined tray.

In FIG. 21, I have shown a lined tray with certain panels of the tray being broken away for the sake of clarity wherein the rear panel glue tab 36 and the bottom panel glue tab 32 at the exposed end are clearly shown.

The lined tray of FIG. 22 is similar to the lined tray of FIG. 21 except that the bottom panel glue tab 32 has been omitted, as is sometimes desired.

By the method and apparatus hereof, I attain the simultaneous folding and sealing of a liner with a tray or carton wherein the liner is completely sealed so as to allow a moisture-proof dust-proof arrangement according to the specific types of liner materials being employed, and further wherein the folds of the liner are interlocked with each other and the liner is adhered to the inside of the tray or carton in certain areas so as virtually to olfer a one piece construction.

Although my invention has been described and illustrated herein with particular reference to specific carton forming structures, it should be appreciated that its utility and application extend beyond the particular types illustrated and its broad scope and concept comprehend the useful and novel features set forth when combined with any type of carton forming mechanism and thus, with respect to the scope of the invention, the foregoing material is to be considered as illustrative rather than limiting.

The invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, and it is to be understood that I do not thereby intend to limit the invention to the specific forms above disclosed, but intend to cover all modifications, variations, alternative constructions and equivalents reasonably falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims and within the meaning and purview and range of equivalents of this disclosure.

I claim:

1. In the method of erecting an economy style carton blank into a formed container, the sequential steps of, prefolding the bottom panel glue tabs, deflecting the front panel, allowing the bottom panel glue tabs to spring backwardly during front panel deflection for the retaining engagement of each bottom panel glue tab behind its respective end panel, folding the end panels and bottom panel glue tabs and rear panel glue tabs simultaneously while the front panel is rotated into completely formed position and While the rear panel and associated rear panel glue tabs are partially rotated with the rear panel glue tabs being deflected inwardly of the adjacent end panels, completely the rotation of the rear panel and its associated glue tabs, and bringing the end panels and the associated bottom and rear panel glue tabs into sealing engagement.

2. In the method of erecting simultaneously an economy style carton blank and a liner into a formed lined container, the sequential steps of, prefolding the bottom panel glue tabs and the portions of the liner cooperant therewith and simultaneously deflecting the front and rear panels and the portions of the liner cooperant therewith, allowing the bottom panel glue tabs to spring backwardly for the retaining engagement of each bottom panel glue tab behind its respective end panel, simultaneously folding the end panels and bottom panel glue tabs and the rear panel glue tabs and the portions of the liner cooperant therewith while the front panel and portions of the liner cooperant therewith are rotated into completely formed position and while the rear panel and the associated rear panel glue tabs and the portion of the liner cooperant therewith are partially rotated with the rear panel glue tabs being deflected inwardly of the adjacent end panels, completing the rotation of the rear panel and its associated glue tabs and the portions of the liner cooperant therewith, and bringing the end panels and the associated bottom and rear panel glue tabs and the cooperant liner into overlapping and sealing engagement.

3. In an assemblage cooperant with a support structure carrying a reciprocating forming mandrel reciprocable linearly along an axis in carton-erecting and retrograde directions and driving means therefore for forming during a carton-erecting cycle from an economy style blank of a type die cut and prescored 'to provide a bottorn panel and opposite front and rear panels articulated to opposite edges of the bottom panel and an end panel articulated to each opposite end edge of the front panel and a rear panel glue tab articulated to each opposite end edge of the rear panel with the front and rear and end panels and the rear panel glue tabs being erectable angularly relative to the plane of the bottom panel and the rear panel glue tab and end panel at each end of the structure being rotated inwardly in timed relationship relative to each other for interengagement, said assemblage comprising, a stationary structure fixed to the support structure, a slide shaft reciprocable relative to said stationary structure along an axis coaxial with the axis of reciprocation of the forming mandrel, a bottom panel plate arranged transversely to and fixed to one end of said slide shaft, an end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plate hingedly connected to opposite end edges of said bottom panel plate, a front panel folding plate and a rear panel folding plate hingedly connected to opposite side edges of said bottom panel plate, pressure roll means mounted on said stationary structure for coacting with cam means mounted on each said end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plates, actuating roll means mounted on said stationary structure for coacting with each said front panel and rear panel folding plates, said bot-tom panel and end panel and glue tab folding and sealing and front and rear panel folding plates being traversible concomitantly in the carton-erecting direction from normal non-operative positions each in a direction linear with the main axis of and according to the carton-erecting movement of the forming mandrel and said end panel and glue tab folding and sealing and front and rear panel folding plates being swingable into a carton-erected positions relative to said bottom panel plate by said pressure roll and actuating roll means respectively, and return means for motivating said slide shaft in the retrograde direction with said bottom panel and end panel and glue tab folding and sealing and front and rear panel folding plates being traversible therewith for returning to non-operative positions.

4. In the assemblage as set forth in claim 3, wherein said end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plates are rotated simultaneously and said front and rear panel folding plates are rotated in staggered timed relationship to each other and in timed relationship with said end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plates.

5. In an assemblage cooperant with a support structure carrying a reciprocating forming mandrel reciprocable linearly along an axis in carton-erecting and retrograde directions and driving means therefore for simultaneously forming during a carton-erecting cycle a sheet of liner material and an economy style blank of a type die cut and prescored to provide a bottom panel and opposite front and rear panels articulated to opposite edges of the bottom panel and an end panel articulated to each opposite end edge of the front panel and a rear panel glue tab articulated to each opposite end edge of the rear panel with the front and rear and end panels and the rear panel glue tabs being erectable angularly relative to the plane of the bottom panel and the rear panel glue tab and end panel at each end of the structure being rotated inwardly on timed relationship relative to each other for sealed interengagement, said assemblage comprising, a stationary structure fixed to the support structure, prefolding mechanisms fixed to the support structure along an axis coaxial with the axis of reciprocation of the forming mandrel, a bottom panel plate arranged transversely relative to and fixed to one end of said slide shaft, an end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plate hingedly connected to opposite end edges of said bottom panel plate, a front panel folding plate and a rear panel folding plate hingedly connected to opposite side edges of said bottom panel plate, pressure roll means mounted on said stationary structure and operationally coacting with cam means mounted on each said end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plate, actuating roll means mounted on said stationary structure and operationally coacting with each said front panel and rear panel folding plate, said bottom panel and end panel and glue tab folding and sealing and front and rear panel folding plates being traversible concomitantly in the carton-erecting direction from normal nonoperative positions in directions linear with the main axis of and according to the carton-erecting movement of the forming mandrel and said end panel and glue tab folding and sealing and front and rear panel folding plates being swingable into carton-erected positions relative to said bottom panel plate by said pressure roll and actuating roll means respectively, and return means for motivating said slide shaft in the retrograde direction with said bottom panel and end panel and glue tab folding and sealing and front and rear panel folding plates being traversible therewith for returning to non-operative positions.

6. In the assemblage as set forth in claim 5, wherein said end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plates are rotated simultaneously and said front and rear panel folding plates are rotated in staggered timed relationship with said end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plates.

7. In the assemblage as set forth in claim 5, said front panel folding means being positioned relative to said rear panel folding means for the actuation of the former prior to the actuation of the latter.

8. In the assemblage as set forth in claim 5, including rear panel glue tab deflecting means disposed on each of said end panel folding and sealing plates.

9. In the assemblage as set forth in claim 5, including heating means associated with each of said end panel folding and sealing plates.

10. In the assemblage as set forth in claim 5, including heating means associated with each of said end panel folding and sealing plates and the prime mover.

11. In a method of forming a carton from an economy style blank of a type scored to provide a bottom panel with a front panel and a rear panel articulated to the opposite edges of the bottom panel and a pair of op posite end panels articulated to opposite end edges of the front panel and pairs of glue tabs articulated to the bottom and rear panels for interengagement with the respective adjacent end panel with certain portions of the blank being conditioned with a heat scalable medium for elfectuating interengagement of the end panels with the respective glue tabs by an arrangement including a continuously reciprocating forming mandrel and a blank prefolding means and a blank supporting assembly of a bottom panel plate and a pair of end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plates hingedly connected to and traversible with the bottom panel plate and front and rear panel folding plates hingedly connected to and traversible with the bottom panel plate with the blank being held between and movable with the mandrel and bottom panel plate of the assembly in a timed relationship ac- 21 cording to the movement of the mandrel in a cartonerectiug direction, the method of prefolding and folding and heating and pressure sealing the carton blank during a continuous reciprocating cycle of motion which comprises, the sequential steps of, prefolding the bottom panel glue tabs, deflecting the front panel, allowing the bottom panel glue tabs to spring backwardly during panel deflection for the retaining engagement of each bottom panel glue tab behind its respective panel, folding the end panels and bottom panel glue tabs and rear panel glue tabs simultaneously while the front panel is rotated into completely formed position and while the rear panel and associated rear panel glue tabs are partially rotated with the rear panel glue tabs being deflected inwardly of the adjacent end panels, completing the rotation of the rear panel and its associated glue tabs and bringing the end panels and the associated bottom and rear panel glue tabs into sealing engagement.

12. In a method of forming a lined carton simultaneously from a liner sheeting and an economy style blank scored to provide a bottom panel with a front panel and a rear panel articulated to the opposite edges of the bottom panel and a pair of opposite end panels articulated to opposite end edges of the front panel and pairs of glue tabs articulated to the bottom and rear panels for interengagement with the respective adjacent end panel with certain portions of the blank being conditioned with a heat sealable medium for effectuating interengagement of the end panels with the respective glue tabs by an arrangement including a continuously reciprocating forming mandrel and a blank and liner prefolding means and a blank supporting assembly of a bottom panel plate and a pair of end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plates hingedly connected to and traversible with the bottom panel plate and front and rear panel folding plates hingedly connected to and traversible with the bottom panel plate with the blank and liner being held between and movable with the mandrel and bottom panel plate of the assembly in a timed relationship according to the movement of the mandrel in a carton-erecting direction, the method of prefolding and folding and heating and pressure sealing the carton blank and liner during a continuous reciprocating cycle of motion which comprises, the sequential steps of, prefolding the bottom panel glue tabs and simultaneously deflecting the front and rear panels of the blank and the portions of the liner cooperant therewith, allowing the bottom panel glue tabs of the blank to spring backwardly for the retaining engagement of each bottom panel glue tab behind its respective end panel, simultaneously folding the end panels and bottom panel glue tabs and the rear panel glue tabs of the blank and the portions of the liner cooperant therewith while the front panel and attached end panels and portions of the liner cooperant therewith are rotated into completely formed position and while the rear panel and the associated rear panel glue tabs and the portion of the liner cooperant therewith are partially rotated with the rear panel glue tabs being deflected inwardly of the adjacent end panels completing the rotation of the rear panel and the portion of the liner cooperant therewith and the bringing of the end panels and the associated bottom and rear panel glue tabs and the cooperant liner into overlapping and sealing engagement.

13. In a carton-erecting assemblage for simultaneously forming during a carton-erecting cycle an erected lined carton from a liner and die cut and prescored economy style blank to provide a bottom panel and articulated front and rear panels and an end panel articulated to the opposite sides of the front panel and bottom panel glue tabs articulated to the opposite sides of the bottom panel and rear panel glue tabs articulated to the opposite sides of the rear panel for sealed interengagement with the respective adjacent end panel, with the assemblage being mounted upon a support structure and cooperant with a reciprocating forming mandrel, the assemblage comprising, a registration and prefolding subassembly mounted on the support structure and constituted by a pair of inwardly-facing vertically-disposed blank guides each having a longitudinally-extending blank receiving slot, a stop means receivable Within the slot of each said blank guide for positioning the blank in registration position relatively to the prime mover, a pair of inwardly-facing liner guides each secured to one of the blank guides of said pair thereof for positioning the liner in registration position relatively to the prime mover and the blank, a rear panel prefolding means positioned relatively to said blank guides and in the path of the rear panel of the blank as the blank and liner travel in carton-erecting direction, a front panel prefolding means positioned relatively to said blank guides and in the path of the front panel of the blank as the blank and liner travel in carton-erecting direction, bottom panel glue tab prefolding means positioned relatively to said blank guides and in the path of the respective glue tab of the blank as the blank and liner travel in carton-erecting direction and a folding and sealing subassembly mounted relative to the support structure and constituted by, a stationary structure fixed to the support structure, a slide shaft reciprocable relative to said stationary structure in carton-erecting and sealing and retrograde directions according to the reciprocation of and coaxial with the direction of movement of the forming mandrel, a bottom panel plate arranged transversely relative to and fixed at an end of said slide shaft, a spring-loaded blank retainer plate arranged in parallelism with and forwardly of said bottom panel plate and operative between an extended position forwardly of said bottom panel plate and a retracted position adjacent said bottom panel plate, an end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plate pivotally mounted upon said bottom panel plate at each end thereof, a front panel folding plate pivotally mounted upon said bottom panel plate at one side thereof, a rear panel folding plate pivotally mounted upon said bottom panel plate at the other side thereof, a pressure and actuating roll means fixed to said stationary support adjacent each of said end panel and glue tab folding and sealing and front panel folding and rear panel folding plates for coaction with the respective said plate, the prefolded blank and liner being transportable from said registration and prefolding subassembly While maintained in registration by clamped engagement between the formin g mandrel and blank retainer plate for delivery to said folding and sealing subassembly and resultant movement of said bottom panel plate and blank retainer plate and said end panel folding and sealing plates and said front and rear panel folding plates from normal rest positions in directions linear with the axis of movement of and according to the carton-erecting movement of the forming mandrel, said end panel folding and sealing plates and said front and rear plates being swingable with respect to said bottom panel plate by said pressure and actuating roll means to positions generally parallel with the main axis of movement for the folding and erecting of the end and front and rear panels of the blank, with said end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plates being simultaneously rotatable and said front and rear panel folding plates being rotatable in staggered timed relationship to each other in timed relationship with said end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plates, for eifectuating the sealed engagement of the respective overlapping portions of the liner and the respective glue tabs and end panels of the blank.

14. In the assemblage as set forth in claim 13, with gib means fixed to said stationary structure, said slide shaft being reciprocable relative to said gib means and having a relieved portion allowing sidewise movement of said slide shaft relative to said gib means and said stationary structure during the sealing phase of the carton erecting cycle.

15. In an assemblage cooperant with a support structure carrying a reciprocating forming mandrel reciprocable linearly along an axis in carton-erecting and retrograde directions and driving means therefore for simul- 23' taneous forming during a carton-erecting cycle a liner and an economy style blank of a type die cut and prescored to provide a bottom panel and opposite front and rear panels articulated to opposite edges of the bottom,

panel and an end panel articulated to each opposite end edge of the front panel and a bottom panel glue tab articulated to each opposite end edge of the bottom panel and a rear panel glue tab articulated to each opposite end edge of the rear panel with the front and rear and end panels and the bottom and rear panel glue tabs being erectable angularly relative to the plane of the bottom panel and the end panel and rear panel glue tabs and end panel at each end of the structure being rotated inwardly relative to each other for interengagement, said assemblage comprising, a registration and prefolding subassembly mounted on the support structure and constituted by a pair of inwardly-facing vertically-disposed blank guides each having a longitudinally-extending blank receiving slot, a stop means receivable within the slot of each said blank guide for positioning the blank in registration position relatively to the prime mover, a pair of inwardly-facing liner guides each secured to one of the blank guides of said pair thereof for positioning the linear in registration position relatively to the prime mover and the blank, a rear panel prefolding means positioned relatively to said blank guides and in the path of the rear panel of the blank as the blank and liner travel in carton-erecting direction, a front panel prefolding means positioned relatively to said blank guides and in the path of the front panel of the blank as the blank and liner travel in carton-erecting direction, bottom panel glue tab prefolding means positioned relatively to said blank guides and in the path of the respec-' tive glue tab of the blank as the blank and liner travel in carton-erecting direction, a stationary structure fixed to the support structure, a slide shaft reciprocable relative to said stationary structure along an axis coaxial with the axis of reciprocation of the forming mandrel, a bottom panel plate arranged transversely to and fixed to one end of said slide shaft, an end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plate hingedly connected to and at opposite end edges of said bottom panel plate, a front panel folding plate and a rear panel folding plate hingedly connected to and at opposite side edges of said bottom panel plate, pressure roll means mounted on said stationary structure for coacting with cam means mounted on each said end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plate, actuating roll means mounted on said stationary structure for coacting with each said front panel and rear panel folding plates, said bottom panel and end panel and glue tab folding and sealing and front and rear panel folding plates being traversible concomitantly in the carton-erecting direction from normal non-operative positions each in a direction linear with the main axis of and according to the carton-erecting movement of the forming mandrel and said end panel and glue tab folding and sealing and front and rear panel folding plates being swingable into carton-erected positions relative to said bottom panel plate by said pressure roll and actuating roll means respectively, and return means for motivating said slide shaft in the retrograde direction with said bottom panel and end panel and glue tabs folding and sealing and front and rear panel folding plates being traversible therewith for returning to non-operative positions.

16. In the assemblage as set forth in claim 3, and including, a spring loaded blank retainer plate disposed normally forwardly of the operating face 'of said bottom panel plate and movable relative to said bottom panel plate between the normally forward position and a position of confrontation with said bottom panel plate under actuation of the forming mandrel. g

17. In the assemblage as set forth in claim 16, and including, the outermost face of said blank retainer plate being lined with a resilient material accomodatable within a complementary relieved portion in the bottom face of i the forming mandrel.

18. In an assemblage cooperant witha support structure carrying a reciprocating forming mandrel reciprocable linearly along an axis in carton-erecting and retrograde directions and driving means therefor for simultaneously forming during a carton-erecting cycle a liner and an economy style blank of a type die cut and prescored to provide a bottom panel and opposite front and rear panels articulated to opposite edges of the bottom panel and an end panel articulated to each opposite end edge of the front panel and a bottom panel glue tab articulated to each opposite end of the bottom panel and a rear panel glue tab articulated to each opposite end edge of the rear panel with the front and rear and end panels and the bottom panel and rear panel glue tabs being erectable angularly relative to the plane of the bottom panel and the bottom panel and rear panel glue tabs and end panel at each end of the structure being rotated inwardly relative to each other for sealed interengagement, said assemblage comprising, a stationary structure fixed to the support structure, a slide shaft reciprocable relative to said stationary structure along an axis coaxial with the ax s of reciprocation of the forming mandrel, a bottom panel plate arranged transversely relative to and fixed to one end of said slide shaft, a spring-loaded blank retainer plate normally disposed forwardly of said bottom panel plate and being movable to embracement with said bottom panel plate under actuation of the forming mandrel, an end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plate hingedly connected to opposite end edges of said bottom panel plate, a front panel folding plate and a rear panel folding plate hingedly connected to opposite side edges of said bottom panel plate, a pressure roll means mounted on said stationary structure and operationally coacting with each said end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plate, an actuating roll means mounted on said stationarystructure and operationally coacting with each said front panel and rear panel folding plate, said bottom panel and end panel and glue tab folding and sealing and front and rear panel folding plates being traversible concomitantly in the cartonerecting direction from normal non-operative positions in directions linear with the main axis of and according to the carton-erecting movement of the forming mandrel and said end panel folding and sealing and front and rear panel folding plates being swingable into carton-erected po sitions relative to said bottom panel plate by said pressure roll and actuating roll respectively, and return means for motivating said slide shaft in the retrograde direction with said bottom panel and end panel and glue tab folding and sealing and front and rear panel folding plates being traversible therewith for returning to non-operative positions.

19. In the assemblage as set forth in claim 13, a pair of cooperating spring members operatively engaged with each said end panel and glue tab folding and sealing plate for exerting pressure against the adjacent overlapping seams of the liner and against the dust flap adjacent the overlapping seam of the liner during the sealing portion of the cycle.

20. In the method of erecting an economy style carton blank into a formed container, the sequential steps of, folding the end panels and rear panel glue tabs simultaneously while the front panel is rotated into completely formed position and while the rear panel and associated rear panel glue tabs are partially rotated with the rear panel glue tabs being deflected inwardly of the adjacent end panels, completing the rotation of the rear panel and its associated glue tabs, and bringing the end panels and the rear panel glue tabs into sealing engagement.

21. In the method of erecting simultaneously an economy style carton blank and a liner into a formed lined' 

5. IN AN ASSEMBLAGE COOPERANT WITH A SUPPORT STRUCTURE CARRYING A RECIPROCATING FORMING MANDREL RECIPROCABLE LINEARLY ALONG AN AXIS IN CARTON-ERECTING AND RETROGRADE DIRECTIONS AND DRIVING MEANS THEREFORE FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY FORMING DURING A CARTON-ERECTING CYCLE A SHEET OF LINER MATERIAL AND AN ECONOMY STYLE BLANK OF A TYPE DIE AND PRESCORED TO PROVIDE A BOTTOM PANEL AND OPPOSITE FRONT AND REAR PANELS ARTICULATED TO OPPOSITE EDGES OF THE BOTTOM PANEL AND AN END PANEL ARTICULATED TO EACH OPPOSITE END EDGE OF THE FRONT PANEL AND A REAR PANEL GLUE TAB ARTICULATED TO EACH OPPOSITE END EDGE OF THE REAR PANEL WITH THE FRONT AND REAR END PANELS AND THE REAR PANEL GLUE TABS BEING ERECTABLE ANGULARLY RELATIVE TO THE PLANE OF THE BOTTOM PANEL AND THE REAR PANEL GLUE TAB AND END PANEL AT EACH END OF THE STRUCTURE BEING ROTATED INWARDLY ON TIMED RELATIONSHIP RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER FOR SEALED INTERENGAGEMENT, SAID ASSEMBLAGE COMPRISING, A STATIONARY STRUCTURE FIXED TO THE SUPPORT STRUCTURE, PREFOLDING MENCHANISMS FIXED TO THE SUPPORT STRUCTURE ALONG AN AXIS COAXIAL WITH THE AXIS OF RECIPROCATION OF THE FORMING MANDREL, A BOTTOM PANEL PLATE ARRANGED TRANSVERSELY RELATIVE TO AND FIXED TO ONE END OF SAID SLIDE SHAFT, AND END PANEL AND GLUE TAB FOLDING AND SEALING PLATE HINGEDLY CONNECTED TO OPPOSITE END EDGES OF SAID BOTTOM PANEL PLATE, A FRONT PANEL FOLDING PLATE AND A REAR PANEL FOLDING PLATE HINGEDLY CONNECTED TO OPPOSITE SIDE EDGES OF SAID BOTTOM PANEL PLATE, PRESSURE ROLL MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID STATIONARY STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONALLY COACTING WITH CAM MEANS MOUNTED ON EACH SAID END PANEL AND GLUE TAB FOLDING AND SEALING PLATE, ACTUATING ROLL MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID STATIONARY STRUCTURE AND OPERATIONALLY COACTING WITH EACH SAID FRONT PANEL AND REAR PANEL FOLDING PLATE, SAID BOTTOM PANEL AND END PANEL AND GLUE TAB FOLDING AND SEALING AND FRONT AND REAR PANEL FOLDING PLATES BEING TRAVERSIBLE CONCOMITANTLY IN THE CARTON-ERECTING DIRECTION FROM NORMAL NONOPERATIVE POSITIONS IN DIRECTIONS LINEAR WITH THE MAIN AXIS OF SAID ACCORDING TO THE CARTON-ERECTING MOVEMENT OF THE FORMING MANDREL AND SAID END PANEL AND GLUE TAB FOLDING SAID SEALING AND FRONT AND REAR PANEL FOLDING PLATES BEING SWINGABLE INTO CARTON-ERECTED POSITIONS RELATIVE TO SAID BOTTOM PANEL PLATE BY SAID PRESSURE ROLL AND ACTUATING ROLL MEANS RESPECTIVELY, AND RETURN MEANS FOR MOTIVATING SAID SLIDE SHAFT IN THE RETROGRADE DIRECTION WITH SAID BOTTOM PANEL AND END PANEL AND GLUE TAB FOLDING AND SEALING AND FRONT AND REAR PANEL FOLDING PLATES BEING TRAVERSIBLE THEREBETWEEN FOR RETURNING TO NON-OPERATIVE POSITIONS. 